Romantic Luminism

Romantic Luminism

"A Bright Spot in the World of Art"

Luminism: An American Art Style Art collectors and galleries have classified my work as Romantic Luminism. This painting style is truly American characterized by including the effect of light in a landscape using aerial perspective (how atmospheric conditions influence our perception of objects in the distance.) They have said that I have the ability to focus light in my paintings in ways that captures the mood and splendor of the landscape and draws the viewer into the essence of the painting. I have used this method in my painting for years. I include a center of interest using the luminosity of sunlight blended with the softness of tone, and concealing some of my brush strokes to allow the subtle effects of light to infuse the local color of the subject. Modern painters attempt to create paintings that impress the viewers with clever uses of the brush. Most of these paintings look the same, with one stroke here and a stroke there, with palette colors that define the painting rather than effectively using the power of light in their work. These artists produce boring work that lacks inspiration and the feeling of life in their work. Remember, it is not what you do, but how well you do it. Spend some time everyday learning more ways to bring your paintings to life. Creating Luminism in your paintings If you want to create a luminous effect in your painting, key the painting to cool colors and darker values, The area of light is best positioned within the middle third portion of your canvas, or it can be anywhere in your painting as long as the viewer clearly focuses on the that spot of light. This spot should be warm and bright with paint applied thickly but not overworked. Direct all the detail and contrast close to the light but try not to highlight anything other than your focal point. Here is an exercise to "see" differently. When you go for a walk or drive, look for the light around you, not the objects. Try not to see forms but focus only on the intensity of the infusion of light around you. Isolate the light that is the central focal point, and dull all other light by at least five values. This understanding of "seeing" will increase your ability to bring an infusion of light into your paintings. It may take some time to learn, but it will make a dramatic difference in your work. Now location WORKSHOPS! April 16-17, May 21-22, June 18-19 There is so much happening at The Grand View Ranch; spring is coming and we are introducing a completely new painting on-location workshop that promises an experience that will inspire and change the way you paint forever. Go to www.thegrandview.com for more information. NEWS FLASH!!! The Grand View will air nationally on the PBS "Create" Station on February 20. Check your local PBS listings for the schedule of twenty episodes featuring yours truly painting live on location in twenty different National Parks. It is Amazing! http://www.createtv.com/ you can also get more information at: http://www.createtv.com/CreateProgram.nsf/vProgramsByNola/GRNV Painting Workshop in Mt Shasta CA A Two-Day Painting Workshop that will inspire the way you paint, forever ! Discover the secrets of painting Come join Stefan Baumann, the host of the PBS series THE GRAND VIEW, for a weekend of painting in beautiful Mt. Shasta at The Grand View Ranch. Discover the secrets of painting hidden lakes, vast meadows, grand trees, sunsets, and the famous Mt. Shasta summit herself. More Information

About Stefan Baumann The paintings of Stefan Baumann capture the true spirit of nature by transporting you to undiscovered, unseen, and undisturbed secret lands. Each painting is more than just a picture; it is a vivid manifestation of his special and personal union with nature and the outdoors. Through Baumann's masterful compositions and his use of brilliant light and color, he invites you to experience nature in its purity.. About The Grand View PBS With his popular weekly PBS television series, The Grandview, America's National Parks through the Eyes of an Artist, Baumann shares with millions of viewers his passion for painting in the great outdoors. His work is currently advertised in Art of the West Magazine, and he is a spokesman for Masterpiece Canvas. With Baumann's national acclaim, it is no wonder astute collectors have made Stefan Baumann one on the most sought after American nature painters of our time.. About The Grand View Ranch It is my dream to create an idyllic artist retreat, where artists can participate in location painting workshops that nurture the artist in a place of unparalleled beauty and inspiration. I am interested in offering an experience that reflects the philosophy of one of my mentors, John Ruskin, author of "Modern painters." Ruskin rejected the dehumanizing effects of the Industrial Revolution, similar to what we are going through right now, with mass produced imports from other countries, and very few items made with the artist's hands, mind, and heart. I hope to work with other similar thinking artists to make a difference, and to provide a location for human connection and artistic expression to grow. This type of project takes a battalion of helpful colleagues to make it work, and many artists have contributed to this dream. I thank them with all my heart.